Ancient Roman Shipwreck Discovered off Sicily, Italy Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli Shares Video
An ancient Roman shipwreck believed to be more than 2,000 years old has been discovered off Sicily, around 46m underwater near Mazara del Vallo. The vessel, dating to the second or 1st Century BC, is about 21m long and 6m wide and was found with hundreds of well-preserved amphorae used to transport goods such as wine, oil and grain.
Italian divers have discovered an ancient Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily believed to be more than 2,000 years old. The vessel was found around 46m (150ft) beneath the sea near Mazara del Vallo, with hundreds of well-preserved amphorae still lying among the wreckage.
The discovery was made after a tip-off from fishermen and is being described by Italian authorities as a major underwater archaeological find. The wreck is believed to date from the second or 1st Century BC and measures about 21m (69ft) long and 6m (20ft) wide, according to reports in local media. Italy Suspends Schengen With Spain, Closes Sea and Air Borders Over Ceuta Migrant Crisis.
Ancient Roman Shipwreck Discovered off Sicily
Mi congratulo con l’Arma dei Carabinieri, con il Nucleo TPC e la Soprintendenza del Mare della Regione Siciliana per una delle più importanti scoperte archeologiche subacquee degli ultimi anni:al largo di Mazara del Vallo è stato individuato un relitto romano del II-I secolo a.C. pic.twitter.com/kiQjZ7HYoD
— Alessandro Giuli (@AlessGiuli) August 8, 2026
Shipwreck Found Deep Under Mediterranean Sea
Specialist police divers from Italy's cultural heritage protection unit located the wreck at a depth of about 46m (150ft). The vessel was reportedly discovered after fisherman and free-diver Giacomo De Mola noticed something unusual while surveying the seabed near Mazara del Vallo.
He wrote on social media that he had decided to dive and investigate after seeing something that appeared to be a large rock on his scanner. "I get closer. And my heart stops. It wasn't a rock," he said. Instead, De Mola found hundreds of amphorae - tall ceramic jars used in the ancient era to store goods such as wine, oil or grain.
Hundreds of Amphorae Found in Wreck
The large number of containers found on the vessel is expected to provide archaeologists with valuable information about the ship's cargo and the trade networks of the ancient Mediterranean.
"This is, without a doubt, the most incredible discovery of my life," he said. "It's hard to describe what it feels like to be among the first humans, in nearly 20 centuries, to see that place again."
De Mola also posted a video of the wreck, showing eels, snappers and "countless marine life" living among the jars. "The sea never ceases to amaze us. "This time we didn't just find a wreck, we found a piece of our history."
Italy Calls Discovery Major Archaeological Find
Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli hailed the wreck as "one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years". Specialist divers from the cultural heritage protection arm of Italy's police, known as the Carabinieri Art Squad, were sent to the site following the discovery.
Officials say safety measures will be taken to safeguard it while it undergoes investigation. Experts will examine the wreck to determine more about the vessel and its cargo. The precise origin of the ship, its destination and the circumstances that led to its sinking remain subjects for further investigation.
Mediterranean Seabed Holds Ancient Wrecks
The discovery adds to a growing body of evidence about the number of ancient vessels preserved beneath the Mediterranean. The seabed is thought to contain numerous ancient shipwrecks, many of which carried commercial cargoes between ports across the region.
Another 1st or 2nd Century BC vessel was found north-west of Rome in 2023, again laden with hundreds of amphorae. In 2018, a Greek merchant ship dating back more than 2,400 years was found lying on its side off the Bulgarian coast. At the time, it was hailed as the world's oldest-known intact shipwreck.
Further Investigation Planned
The newly discovered Sicilian wreck will now be studied by specialists as authorities work to document and protect the archaeological site.
The preservation of the amphorae and other material could help researchers understand the nature of the vessel's cargo and provide further insight into maritime trade during the Roman era. For now, officials are taking measures to safeguard the wreck while investigations continue at the underwater site.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2026 07:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
